Prologue

At dusk, the faery queen and her handmaiden stole into the royal nursery of Visborg castle, in the country of Gotland.  There she gazed up the infant prince William.  Smiling, the queen took him into her arms. She touched the babe’s forehead and his deep blue eyes turned a hazel brown.  Her handmaiden placed a bundle into the crib, a changeling: A fairy child to replace the stolen prince.  
“You are now my son.” the fairy queen whispered and with her handmaiden faded off into the night…

Chapter 1

It was spring in Gotland. Nature had recovered from the cold hard winter and now she brought life back once again. The flowers began to bloom all through the green fields, there blossoms nodded on the sweet warm breeze. Birds began to build their nests and sing there sweet courting songs. In the forest there lived a young lady by the name of Isabelle.  The nineteen-year-old redheaded beauty was the village healer and midwife just like her mother had been.  Schooled in folklore and blessed with the knack for medical knowledge, she used her skills to better help the people of her community. She was known as the wise women or witch as it’s sometimes called.   Isabelle had a spirited soul and a gentle heart.  She lived in her mother’s cottage with her life long friend Agatha, the old women had taught her many things about the forest and its other inhabitants, the faery folk. Agatha assisted Isabelle’s mother, Theresa, in their art until her death five seasons ago.  She remained with Isabelle and continued her late friends work. Agatha looked on Isabelle as a daughter, she knew one day she would wed a wonderful man and perhaps take her away from the forest. The elderly Agatha did not mind, she was content to spend her remaining time with Isabelle. Many people came to see the pair for healing and herbal preparations, as their skills were widely known. Some years ago Isabelle’s mother was summoned to the royal castle in haste, as the infant prince William was very ill. Upon seeing the child Theresa sighed. He did not look right, his eyes were very large and his skin dark.  The prince looked nothing like his parents or better yet, human.  A changeling is what he was, the fairies had replaced the real prince with one of their own.  There was nothing Theresa could do and as she watched the child take its last breath and die. King Steven and Queen Gwendolyn where heartbroken. Theresa put her hand on her own swollen belly as she could feel her own child moving within her.  I will not let this happen again she thought.  Reaching into her pocket she pulled out a charm against fairies and placed it secretly into the royal crib.  This she knew would prevent anymore trouble with the faery folk.  She turned to the King and Queen and told them they were both healthy and that they should try again for another child.  She took the Queens hands and assured her all would be well. The King pressed a purse of gold krona into her hands.  Theresa wanted to protest but the King saw the look in her eyes and said that the coin would help with her new child.   Sadly she left the castle with the babe, her duties extended to laying the deceased to rest as well as welcoming new life into the world.  As soon as the light hit the little bundle he fell to ashes.  Theresa looked toward the woods. The faery Queen has claimed herself a son, little William is now prince of the Fay.  Hence, the death of the royal prince spawned many stories among the people, be it peasant or nobility.

When Isabelle was a little girl her mother told her the stories of the faery prince. That he was unearthly handsome with enchanting eyes, dressed in green with a sword at his side. How he could be seen on moonlit nights riding through the woods on the rades .  How he slayed the evil beast of Cragmore with his mighty sword and wrestled with a wild wolf and tamed it.  Isabelle loved to hear about him and would lobby every night before bed to hear a tale. She would go to the forest and look for the faery’s baring in mind her mothers warning; do not step into toadstool rings and keep away from oak trees. To step into a toadstool ring would trap you in the faery world, and faeries inhabit oak trees.  On one such trip she met a young lad her age, he wore elaborate green tunic and chausses that were stitched in gold.  He had the fairest skin and deep hazel eyes with black hair that was long and shined with a blue hue.  They stared at each other for just a moment and then he disappeared behind an oak tree.  Isabelle was enchanted and forgetting her mother’s warnings, went after him.  But her search was in vain.  She looked down to see she had one foot in a toadstool ring.  She heard a giggle and then another, looking around she saw no one.  Quickly she pulled her foot from the ring and ran back the way she came.  Who was he she thought.  Perhaps he was the prince her mother spoke of?

The figure stepped from the shadows and smiled.
“I see I have given you a start.”
Isabelle let out a sigh. The young man before her was Nicholas, the miller’s son.  
 “I am sorry Isabelle, can I help you with your task?”  Isabelle smiled.
“Of course, just pick the ones with that look like daisies.”
Nicholas was a nice lad; they had known each other since they were children. Getting on his knees next to her Nicholas looked around at the flowers.  He took a chamomile flower and crushing it in his fingers smelled it.
 “I remember these, you once gave me a brew of this flower when I was not feeling well.”
Isabelle arranged the flowers in her basket.  He did give me a start, I thought perhaps I had seen…  If only did see him outside of my dreams once again, then I would know he was real.  
Nicholas looked at her with concern.
“Oh sorry I was lost in thought” Isabelle turned to see that he had picked some blue bell shaped flowers.  
“What are these?” he eyed the flowers.
Isabelle stiffened; he had picked foxglove, a favorite flower of the faery folk. Wherever they grew, faeries have been known to live close by.  
 “Foxglove, it is used for very powerful medicine and in the wrong hands can be dangerous. We don’t need any today.” She said nervously.  
Nicholas knew something was wrong, Isabelle was acting strangely.  As she stood he offered to walk her back to her cottage.
“You should become a knight Nicholas, as your truly chivalrous, but I will be fine.”
The young man blushed and pushed his blonde hair from his light blue eyes.  
“Are you sure?”
Isabelle put her hand on his strong arm.
“Aye, see you later”
Nicholas watched her walk away and smiled to himself.  She is some girl he thought.  
 As Isabelle walked she thought of Prince William.  Perhaps he is only a dream, or a story told to ease the pain of a lost child.  Deep in her heart she prayed it was not a dream.  She looked around the forest, it was breathtaking.  A sea of ferns danced slowly in the breeze beneath the ancient tree’s, their roots twisted and gnarled held many creatures in their branches.  In a low branch Isabelle saw a robins nest, its tiny blue eggs were nestled together in a bed of soft white feathers.  Chipmunks and squirrels chattered amongst themselves and ran across the tree branches overhead.  Feathers from a nearby nest blew softy through the air.  
The sight was enchanting.  
Isabelle smiled and took in the beauty of her surroundings.  She knew she had to get back and prepare the salve but she just wanted to stay there forever.
Spreading out her shawl at the base of a tree she sat and watched the robins attend to their nest.  The female robin sat proudly on her eggs while her mate sang to her from a branch above.  His sweet song made Isabelle smile.
“What beautiful love they share” she sighed.
“It is very beautiful indeed” a rich deep voice answered her.
Isabelle froze. Who was that?
She turned quickly to her sides but no one was there.  It must have been Nicolas she thought.  
But then she began to tremble, as it was not his voice she had heard!
“Prince William?” she gasped.  Isabelle stood, her heart was racing but no one was there.  She sighed sadly and reaching down picked up her basket.  She looked in it and gasped.
A perfect blue rose sat on top of the chamomile flowers.  Taking it in her hand she noticed that the edges of the petals glittered like diamonds.  She held the rose to her chest.
“Please tell me you are real.” she whispered.  She stood looking at the tree as she waited for a response but none came.  Taking her basket she turned and walked away from the tree.
She looked down at the rose, was it from him or a prank from a faery that was trying to be mean?  

Chapter 1.....

 The next morning the Oslen’s new child was born. It was a long night and as Isabelle placed the newborn infant on his mother’s chest she sighed with relief.  As the Oslen’s held there new son Isabelle washed her hands and started to put away her supplies.  
With each new child she delivered she felt at a longing in her heart for a husband and child of her own.  She shook the thought from her mine and turned to the family.
“Let me know how he is.” she smiled.  
“We will.” Mr.Oslen nodded and turned back to his wife and child.  
Mrs. Olsen reached out her hand to her.  Isabelle took her hand and knelt before them.
“Thank you Isabelle, could you grant your blessing on our son?”  
“Of course” she said and put her hand on the babe’s head.
“May you always be strong and health and grow to be a fine man.”  
The Oslen’s smiled as Isabelle rose and slung her pack over her shoulder and bid them farewell.  
Traveling down the road Isabelle thought of last night and the wild ride on a faery steed with Prince William of all people!  
She had not seen his face, perhaps he was another faery but she had heard his voice and it was the voice she had heard in her dreams.  
He had come to her when she needed him. Faery folk are very helpful souls, but not all are friendly.  

Back at the cottage Agatha greeted her with breakfast.  
“How did you fare?”  The old women said as she poured Isabelle a cup of tea.  Isabelle sat at the big oak table.  Kellyann was sitting there playing with a rag doll.
“It was a hard labor but she did fine.”  Taking her teacup she looked at little Kellyann.  “You now have a little brother to play with.”   Kellyann screwed up her face and rubbed her nose.
“Aww, I wanted a sister.”  
“Were you a good girl for Auntie Agatha?  The old women placed a bowl of porridge before Isabelle and walked over to the big black cast-iron oven.
“She was a little angel.”
Isabelle looked at Kellyann as she toyed with her breakfast.
“My dear, how did you get here last night?”  Agatha shot Isabelle a glance from across the room.
“I was walking when a man on a horse told me he could take me to see the pretty witch.” Isabelle caught her breath.
 “Did you see his face?”
“Nay, his hood was down to hear” she put her finger to her nose.
Oh goddess Isabelle thought, the child could have easily been stolen away.  Calming herself she brushed Kellyann’s hair from her eyes. Prince William would have not done such a thing she thought. But there were other faeries that would have.  She silently thanked him for keeping the little girl safe.  Agatha took two gooseberry pies from the oven and placed them on the windowsill.  She took off her pinny and sat down at the table.  The scent of the freshly baked pies permeated the air.
 “My favorite” Isabelle smiled.  
 “A reward for a hard nights work” Agatha grinned.  
“Aye it was” Isabelle stretched and yawned.
“Go rest my child, I will make sure Kellyann is taken home”.  

In her room Isabelle stripped off her smock, her fingers shook as she untied her stays.  Her hands hurt and her back ached.  Removing the rest of her clothes she to went to her bed.  There, on her pillow was the shawl she had left in the woods the day before. She picked it up, it was infused with the sweet scent of lily of the valley.  It had also been cleaned and pressed as well. She remembered it had a tear in it and found that it was repaired.  The stitches were so fine that human hands could not have wrung them.  Isabelle smiled and held the shawl to her chest.  She was thankful for all the faery folk had done for her. Placing the shawl aside she pulled back the calico quilt and settled down on the bed.  As she drifted off she thought of how the rider held her, he was gentle and strong.  She recalled his large hands and deep voice. A part of her hoped it was the prince and forsaking the dangers yearned to be with him in his mystical world.

The dinner table was spread with a glorious fare.   Agatha had killed two chickens and baked them with herb stuffing.  They sat golden and crisp on the platter along with red potatoes and honey glazed carrots.  Three different types of cheese along with pickled onions completed the spread.  The lodenberry pies sat cooling on the windowsill when Nicholas knocked at the door.  The young man could smell the wonderful scents and fixing his collar threw back his shoulders and stood up straight.  He anticipated seeing Isabelle as he missed her very much. When she opened the door he smiled and handed her a bunch of wildflowers. Isabelle smiled and took the bouquet.
“Thank you Nicolas, please come in.”  She looked so beautiful, her red hair was like silk flames and her green eyes sparkled. She wore a dark green dress with black stays that held her breasts beautifully.  Nicolas could not help but stare at her.  Agatha stood at the table and watched them.  Isabelle stood aside as the tall miller walked into the cottage.
“Hello Agatha.” Nicholas said as he took off his hat.
“It is good to see you young man” the old women smiled and pulled out a chair.  They all sat down to dinner.  The two women glowed from the complements Nicholas had for they’re cooking and he did eat quite a bit.  As Isabelle served the lodenberry pie her thought went back to the swamp.  Prince William had saved her from the Boggin, but why did he not show himself to her?  She had to find out if it was truly him.  Agatha looked at Nicholas.
“Isabelle picked these berries just for you” she smiled.  
“Did she?” Nicholas looked to Isabelle, she was lost in thought.  The pie plate slipped from her hand, quick as a wink Nicolas caught it. Coming out of her trance the girl shook her head.
“Oh I am sorry” Isabelle gasped.
“Are you alright?” Nicolas looked at her with concern as he placed the plate on the table.
“I am fine” she smiled at him.  Agatha sighed to herself.  Isabelle’s thoughts are faraway, I was hoping this dinner would at least help her see some of the love Nicolas has for her.

After dinner Isabelle and Nicolas went and sat on an old tree log in front of the cottage.  Nicolas told her of his days work and the new horse his father had bought.  Isabelle looked out on the moonlit forest. Tiny willow o wisps danced in the tall grass. Gathering his nerve Nicolas put his arm around her he leaned in close to her pink lips.
“Isabelle…I…” A rusting in the bushes startled them.
“What was that?  Isabelle whispered.  Nicholas held her to his chest.
“Whatever it is, I’ll protect you.”  Isabelle looked out at the forest.  There standing in the shadows was a man, from his silhouette she could tell he was wearing a sword.  Speechlessly she stared, he features were just visible in the moonlight. His face had high cheekbones and a strong chin. His head was graced with long dark bangs that hid his eyes.
William!  Isabelle broke free of Nicolas’s embrace.
“Isabelle what is wrong?” he cried.  
“I must go…I…” Isabelle stood and turned to the forest.  The apparition was gone. “Nay” she said and began to sob. Nicolas stood and took her in his arms.
“Nay, please do not cry.”
Isabelle put her head on his chest. Tenderly he stroked her hair.  I saw him she thought he was just there and then he disappeared.  Why is he doing this to me?  He helps me and even saves me from danger.  But he still not let me see him.  Nicholas gently pulled her back from his chest and looked into her emerald eyes.  Her face seemed to shine in the moonlight.  The reminisce of her tears sparkled on her cheeks.  Nicolas looked at her with longing.
“I am sorry if I…”  
“Nay, it was that noise that scared me, I am fine.” she said looking away.  

Chapter 3

As the month of April drew to a close the people of the village began to prepare for the May Day celebration.  Nicholas and Henry worked extra hard to get all the grain made to flour for the bread that would be needed for the great feast.  Isabelle and Agatha joined the other women in the cooking and baking.  It was at this time of year that the King would ride out through the forest.  He did this every year for it was at this time that his son, Prince William, departed this world. Dressed as a knight in deep blue armor and carrying the banner of the rising sun he would travel unaccompanied by steward or squire.  Isabelle and Agatha were in the forest that day when Isabelle looked to see a rider coming through the forest.  She hid behind a tree as she watched his majesty approach. King Steven was a very tall man and cut a dramatic figure as he road his large black Belgian stallion; its golden tack clinked softy as they approached. The king pulled the horse to a stop and took his helm from his head. Handsome and distinguished, his dark hair and beard  was shot with gray. He cast his sad eyes around the forest as he approached. Despair came to Isabelle’s heart as she watched him.  King Steven slipped from the saddle and planting his banner in the ground walked forward.  He knelt before a tree and bowed his head in prayer.  Isabelle trembled; the king looked so much like Prince William did in her dreams.   Tears came to her eyes and her heart shook with grief.  The king rose and crossing himself sighed heavily, his large blue eyes shined with tears.  Isabelle wanted to tell him that his son was alive and that she would risk her soul to find him.  But she knew she could not tell him this.  She watched as he rode off, his big black steed stepped strongly as his banner waved through the air. She put her hands to her face and sobbed.  How cruel the Fay where for taking the prince away.  The royal family where good people, they never bothered the faery folk.  But they never really acknowledged them either.  As Isabelle knelt there she heard little voices talking around her.  The faery folk had seen all that had just transpired.  A tiny pixie flew up to her; she looked at it through her tears.  It’s gossamer wings shined with all the colors of the rainbow.  The beautiful creature smiled at her sweetly and flew off. Isabelle turned to go when she saw a young man standing a few yards away.  Dressed in forest green, his dark bangs in his eyes, he stood for just a moment and then turned away. Isabelle’s heart raced in her chest.
“William!” she called.  Turning she went after him, but like before he was gone.  Frustrated and heartbroken she sank to the soft forest floor and sobbed.
“Isabelle?”  The girl looked up to see Agatha.
“My poor child.” the old women said as he held her to her chest.
“Oh Agatha why?”
As she held Isabelle Agatha looked over to see King Steven riding off into the distance.
“Now now, come my dear, lets get you home.” As Agatha took Isabelle away William watched them from the tree. The little pixie sat on his shoulder and look up at him.
  “She is crying for you your highness”
 “I know.” he said gravely.

Chapter 3....


She lost herself in his gaze and stepped forward.  The prince glanced at her pendant and took a step back.  
Isabelle tore the charm from her neck and throwing it aside grasped his hand.  
William shut his eyes and trembled, to feel the touch of another human hand. He savored the sensation as if it were his last.
Isabelle could not believe she was standing before Prince William, the man she had dreamed of, the one she was told was just a myth.  All these years she had pursed him and now to be in his presents was truly magical.  The prince slowly opened his haunting hazel eyes and looked at her.
“You have caught me.” he whispered as he tilled his head. His voice was hypnotic, Isabelle could barely breath.  He drew her closer and leaning forward he put his nose to her neck and inhaled her scent, she smelled of sweet herbs.  Isabelle trembled as his lips brushed her neck and traveled softy across her face.  Tiny sprits gathered around them.  They little voices called to them.
“The union, yes the union” their voices chimed together. Isabelle looked at William as he brought his face close to hers.
“I ask you now for the union that symbolize the coming together of the great forces of nature.”  The green wood marriage Isabelle thought, such things were taboo between humans and the Fay.  For long ago our worlds were separated as the Fay and human no longer could dwell in peace.  William ran his hands over her shoulders.  She looked up at him, the antlers on his head made him truly look like the spirit of nature. Speechlessly she nodded to him forgoing all the dangers.  William smiled and brought his lips to hers.  Isabelle trembled his kiss was as sweet as honey, his arms embraced her tight as he pulled her closer.  The little pixies giggled with glee and flew off into the trees. Lost in his kiss she put her arms around his neck and surrendered to him.
Nicolas was still pursuing Isabelle.  His worst fear rang through his heart, that she had been stolen away by the Fay, Prince William to exact.  Traveling west he stopped to catch his breath.  
If she gets drawn into his world she will never return, I cannot let this happen!
Nicolas looked up and his eyes widened.
In the passionate embrace of a horned man was Isabelle.
Could it be the lord of nature?  
‘Tis true the lord of nature would come to a young maiden this night.  Nicholas crept closer, his heart sank, if it was the lord of nature then he could not intervene.
If he had chosen Isabelle for the Greenwood marriage then all was said and done.  Isabelle mother had been chosen, it was a great honor amongst there kind.  
Nicolas stepped on a twig; the snap startled the couple.  Quickly they turned and ran off hand in hand.
Nicholas caught a glimpse of the man; it was the same person he saw on the road the other night.
“Nay!” he called and took off after them.  
“Come with me Isabelle.” William smiled.
“Aye my prince” she gushed as they ran.  They came upon an old willow tree and began to chase each other around it.   Isabelle giggles as the prince kept missing her.  As she came around the front of the tree the prince caught her in his arms.
“Now I have caught you”.
Nicolas followed them only to find himself alone.  It is my fault, if I showed her my love for her sooner she would not have become obsessed with him. Now by I have put the women I love in danger!

 Isabelle and William sank to their knees before the old willow.  Moonlight glinted in his eyes as he looked upon her.
“All that is beauty is you fair one”
“And you are all that is wild and free my prince”
As they slowly shed each other clothes Isabelle wondered if this was a dream.  The prince laid her gently on the soft forest floor.
“An now we shall join on this night of love. I came to you for I knew you wanted this union as much as I”.
Isabelle ran her hand over his shoulders.
“I have seen you in my dreams William, I hoped you were real”.
“I am anything you want me to be,” he said as their lips met. Trembling she looked into his eyes.  She felt calmness come over her, timidly she ran her had over his chest.
“Do not fear” she heard his voice in her head.  “The union is one of pleasure and inhibition.”  As he loved her she felt all her senses race. Her eyes traveled from his strong chest to the antlers on his dark head. Lowering himself close to her he kissed her passionately; his sweet honey kiss was intoxicating. Isabelle gripped him tightly as passion was awakening in her soul.  Their body intertwined in ecstasy under the full moon.

In the shadows a woman cloaked in dewdrops, a crescent moon on her brow turned from the scene of passion and took the hand of man in deerskins; golden antlers stood proudly on his head.  
“A beginning?” she said.
“Perhaps” his red eyes flashed as they faded into the wood.